Indonesia Says It Will Withdraw from the Peace Council If It Does Not Benefit Palestinians

SadaNews - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reassured local Islamic groups that he would withdraw from the peace council formed by U.S. President Donald Trump if the platform does not benefit the Palestinians.

Indonesia's participation, as the largest Muslim-majority country in the world, in the council and its decision to contribute troops to a stabilization force in Gaza has faced criticism from experts and local Islamic groups, who argue that it undermines its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.

According to a statement issued by the government communication office, Prabowo gathered leaders of the groups for a meeting last night, reiterating the reasons for joining the council. The statement quoted Hanif Atas from the Muslim Brotherhood as saying that Prabowo would withdraw from the council if it did not serve the interests of Palestinians and Indonesians. Hanif stated in the announcement, "The president said that if he sees there is no longer any benefit for Palestine... and if it does not align with Indonesia's national interests, he will withdraw."

The Indonesian Ulema Council had previously called for Indonesia to withdraw from the council due to the United States' role in the ongoing war with Iran. The Indonesian Foreign Minister had stated that all discussions of the peace council have ceased due to the war.